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Plasticine
Plasticine
from Wikipedia

Plasticine
TypeModelling clay
Invented byWilliam Harbutt
CompanyHarbutt
CountryUnited Kingdom
Availability1900–

Plasticine is a putty-like modelling material made from calcium salts, petroleum jelly and aliphatic acids. Though originally a brand name for the British version of the product, it is now applied generically in English as a product category to other formulations.

Plasticine is used for children's play and as a modelling medium for more formal or permanent structures. Because of its non-drying property, it is a material commonly chosen for stop motion animation, including several Academy Award-winning films by Nick Park.

History

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Franz Kolb, owner of a pharmacy in Munich, Germany, invented an oil-based modelling clay in 1880.[1] At the time, the city was a centre for the arts, and among Kolb's circle of friends were sculptors. They complained about how with the clay they were using for modelling, their sculptures would dry too fast and that, particularly in winter, it was too difficult to work with. In order to commercialize his invention, he presented it to the Faber-Castell company in 1887, which had back then the name "Kunst-Modellierthon" (known as Plastilin), where it is still sold nowadays under the name "Münchner Künstler Plastilin" (Munich artists' Plastilin). In Italy, the product Pongo is also marketed as "plastilina" and shares the main attributes of Plasticine.

East German Plastilina

Plasticine is approximately 65% bulking agent (principally gypsum), 10% petroleum jelly, 5% lime, 10% lanolin and 10% stearic acid.[2] It cannot be hardened by firing, it melts when exposed to heat, and is flammable at higher temperatures.[citation needed] In France, it is made by Herbin, and marketed as Plastiline. In Spain, toy manufacturer Jovi markets a product also branded "Plastilina", made from vegetable matter which makes it lighter. Play-Doh, which is based on flour, salt and water, dries on exposure to air.

Harbutt

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William Harbutt, an art teacher in Bath, England, formulated Plasticine in 1897. Harbutt wanted a non-drying clay for his sculpture students. He created a non-toxic, sterile, soft and malleable clay that did not dry when exposed to air.

Harbutt received a patent in 1899 and commercial production started at a factory in Bathampton in 1900. The original Plasticine was grey, but four colours were produced for initial sales to the public. Plasticine was used by children and was often bought by schools for teaching art. It has found a wide variety of other uses (for example moulding casts for plaster, and plastics).

Harbutt patented a different formulation in 1915,[3] which added wool fibres to give plasticine a stronger composition intended for ear plugs, and as a sterile dressing for wounds and burns.[4] The Harbutt company marketed Plasticine as a children's toy by producing modelling kits based on characters from children's stories, such as Noddy, the Mr. Men and Paddington Bear.

The original Plasticine factory was destroyed by fire in 1963 and replaced by a modern building. The Harbutt company produced Plasticine in Bathampton until 1983, when production was moved to Thailand.

The Colorforms company was the major American licensee of Plasticine from 1979 until at least 1984. The use of a different chalk compound caused a product inconsistency, and the US version was considered inferior to the original mix.

Bluebird Toys plc acquired Plasticine through its purchase of Peter Pan Playthings Ltd, Harbutt's parent company. In 1998, Mattel bought Bluebird and the brand was sold to Humbrol Ltd, known for its model paints and owner of the Airfix model kit brand. Flair Leisure licensed the brand from Humbrol in 2005 and relaunched Plasticine. It acquired the brand outright, when Humbrol entered administration a year later.

Uses

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Current

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A Plasticine model of a rat, by Polish animator Monika Kuczyniecka

Plasticine is one type of clay used in claymation. One of its main proponents is Aardman Animations' Nick Park, who used characters modelled in Plasticine in his four Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit short films A Grand Day Out (1989), The Wrong Trousers (1993), A Close Shave (1995) and A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008), as well as the feature films The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and Vengeance Most Fowl (2024). Plasticine-like materials are appealing to animators because the material can be used with ease: it is mouldable enough to create a character, flexible enough to allow that character to move in many ways, and dense enough to retain its shape easily when combined with a wire armature, and does not melt under hot studio lighting.

Plasticine is used in long jump and triple jump competitions to help officials determine if the competitors are making legal jumps. A 10-centimetre-wide (3.9 in) 'indicator board' is placed beyond and slightly above the take-off line. The edges of this are chamfered and edged with plasticine. If an athlete leaves a mark in the plasticine, it is considered proof that the jump was a foul, and the attempt is not measured.[5] Plasticine is used rather than sand, so that several boards may be prepared in advance: if a board is marked it may be replaced by a smoothed board immediately to avoid delaying the competition, but keeping the marked board available in case of challenges. An indicator board is used, rather than a wide strip of plasticine, as this provides a firm footing should the athlete step on it.

Plasticine-like clays are also used in commercial party games such as Barbarossa.

A life-size vegetable plot in James May's Paradise in Plasticine

Television presenter James May, together with Chris Collins, Jane McAdam Freud, Julian Fullalove and around 2,000 members of the public, created a show garden made entirely of Plasticine for the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. Called "Paradise in Plasticine", it took 6 weeks and 2.6 tons of Plasticine in 24 colours to complete. May said, "This is, to our knowledge, the largest and most complex model of this type ever created." It couldn't be considered as part of the standard judging criteria as it contained no real plants, but was awarded an honorary gold award made from Plasticine.[6][7] The garden won the Royal Horticultural Society's 'peoples choice' for best small garden.[8]

Plasticine is used by geologists studying rock deformation. One study compared the performance of four German products: Beck's green and Beck's orange made by Beck's Plastilin, Gomaringen; Kolb brown made by Kolb, Hengersberg; and Weible special soft made by Weible KG, Schorndorf.[9]

Historic

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During World War II, Plasticine was used by bomb disposal officer Major John P. Hudson R.E. as part of the defuzing[10] process for the new German "Type Y" battery-powered bomb fuze. The "Type Y" fuze has an anti-disturbance device that had to be disabled before the fuze could be removed.[11][12][unreliable source?] Plasticine was used to build a dam around the head of the fuze to hold some liquid oxygen. The liquid oxygen cooled the battery down to a temperature at which it would no longer function; with the battery out of commission, the fuze could be removed safely.[13][14]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Plasticine is a trademarked brand of non-hardening, oil-based modeling clay designed for reusable sculpting and creative play, invented in 1897 by English artist and art teacher William Harbutt in Bath, , to provide his students with a malleable material that would not dry out or crack during extended use. Composed primarily of as a filler, combined with , , and for pliability and longevity, Plasticine remains soft indefinitely when stored properly, allowing it to be reworked without losing form or . Originally produced by Harbutt's Plasticine Ltd. in Bathampton, the brand is currently manufactured by Flair Leisure Products in the , available in various colors and sets for children and professionals alike. Beyond educational and artistic applications, Plasticine has been employed in diverse fields, including the creation of topographical models for military planning during both World Wars and as a key medium in stop-motion animation, most famously in ' Wallace & Gromit series, where its flexibility enables precise frame-by-frame adjustments. Its enduring popularity stems from this versatility, fostering creativity in prototyping, therapy, and entertainment without the need for firing or curing.

Composition and Properties

Chemical Composition

Plasticine, originally formulated by William Harbutt in 1897 and patented in 1899, consists of a designed to mimic the workability of traditional clay while preventing drying and cracking. The historical recipe combined powdered chalk-like calcium compounds, such as or early fillers like fine , with oils and waxes to achieve a stable, non-brittle structure. This formulation addressed the limitations of water-based clays, which tended to harden over time due to . The primary components of Plasticine are calcium salts serving as bulking agents, typically comprising approximately 65% by weight of the material to provide structure and stability; common variants include (calcium sulfate dihydrate) or , with often cited in historical descriptions, alongside lime (). Binders and softeners, including for pliability and aliphatic acids like for cohesion, make up the remaining balance, often around 30-35%, ensuring the material remains workable without drying out. These elements contribute to its non-hardening behavior, a key property that distinguishes it from evaporative clays. The exact proportions and specific ingredients in current formulations remain proprietary to the manufacturer. Colorants, such as non-toxic pigments (e.g., phthalocyanine green or naphthol red), are incorporated to produce various shades while maintaining safety standards for educational and artistic use. Early formulations incorporated as a filler, but this has been phased out in modern versions. Contemporary adjustments include sulfur-free variants to ensure compatibility with mold-making materials like rubbers, which can be inhibited by sulfur, alongside odorless compositions meeting non-toxic regulations such as ASTM D-4236. , once common as a softener, has been replaced in some recipes with petroleum-based alternatives or agricultural by-products for consistency and availability.

Physical Characteristics

Plasticine exhibits a soft, putty-like texture and consistency, remaining pliable and non-hardening indefinitely at , which distinguishes it from drying clays. This oil-based material maintains its workability over time without requiring water or additives, allowing for repeated reshaping without loss of integrity. In terms of and handling, Plasticine is firm yet sufficiently malleable to be molded easily by hand, offering a balance of structure and flexibility that prevents crumbling during use. It softens upon exposure to moderate , becoming more for detailed application before reforming solidly upon cooling, enhancing its reusability. This thermal behavior, influenced by stabilizing agents like calcium salts, ensures consistent performance across modeling sessions. The material's stems from its resistance to , cracking, or degradation, setting it apart from water-based alternatives that harden upon air exposure. It is non-toxic, odorless, and generally stain-resistant on most surfaces, though it can transfer oil to fabrics if mishandled. For safety, Plasticine is non-allergenic for the majority of users, making it suitable for extended creative work. Available in a wide range of vibrant colors, these hues blend smoothly to create custom shades without fading over time.

History

Invention by William Harbutt

William Harbutt (1844–1921) was an English artist and educator born in , . After studying at the National Art Training School in , he relocated to Bath in 1874 and served as headmaster of the Bath School of Art and Design until 1877, when he resigned due to disagreements over teaching methods. He subsequently founded the Paragon Art Studio in Bath with his wife, Elizabeth "Bessie" Harbutt, where he continued teaching modeling and sculpture techniques. Harbutt developed Plasticine in , motivated by the frustrations of using traditional modeling clay in his classes. Ordinary clay often dried out quickly, cracked during extended work sessions, and could not be easily corrected or reused, leading to waste and discouraging students from experimenting freely. To address these issues, Harbutt formulated an oil-based, non-drying alternative using readily available ingredients such as calcium salts, oils, and fillers, initially produced in small batches at home. The material was specifically designed for educational use, enabling students to mold, reshape, and refine sculptures without the material hardening or losing pliability. He rigorously tested prototypes over the next two years to perfect the consistency and stability before formalizing the . In 1899, Harbutt secured a British patent for his creation, marking the official recognition of Plasticine as a novel modeling compound. This innovation stemmed directly from his commitment to practical art education, transforming a common problem into a versatile tool that promoted creativity and persistence in learning.

Commercialization and Ownership Changes

Following the invention of Plasticine in 1897, William Harbutt established the Harbutt's Plasticine Manufacturing Company in 1900 at a factory in Bathampton, near Bath, , to begin commercial production of the non-drying modeling material. Initially marketed to art teachers and schools for educational purposes, the product quickly gained popularity, with Harbutt personally traveling to promote its benefits in creative instruction. The company expanded its color range from the original to multiple hues, facilitating broader appeal in artistic and recreational applications. Under family ownership by Harbutt's descendants, the business grew steadily but faced significant challenges, including a devastating factory fire in 1963, which destroyed much of the Bathampton facility. The site was rebuilt with a modern structure, allowing production to continue amid rising economic pressures in the post-war era, such as increasing labor costs and competition from synthetic alternatives. By 1983, these factors led to the closure of the Bathampton operations, with manufacturing relocated to Thailand to reduce costs while maintaining the core recipe. Ownership transitioned out of the Harbutt family following the 1983 relocation, as the company was acquired by Peter Pan Playthings Ltd. in 1984, a British toy manufacturer. In 1987, Peter Pan was purchased by plc, integrating Plasticine into its portfolio of educational and play products. Bluebird's acquisition expanded distribution channels, but financial difficulties prompted further changes; in 1998, Inc. acquired Bluebird for approximately $78.5 million, subsequently divesting the Plasticine brand to Ltd. in 1999, a company known for model paints and kits. Humbrol managed the brand until its administration in 2006, when Flair Leisure Products, a subsidiary of S.p.A., licensed and later acquired full rights, relaunching it with updated packaging while preserving the traditional formulation. Global expansion began in the early , with exports reaching and the by the , driven by Harbutt's promotional efforts and the material's utility in schools and studios worldwide. The brand's , registered in 1899 alongside the composition , provided initial protection, though the term "plasticine" entered generic usage for similar non-hardening clays, leading to imitations after the patent expired around 1916. Harbutt countered this by emphasizing proprietary recipes and quality standards, ensuring the original product's distinct reputation amid competitors.

Manufacturing

Traditional Production Methods

The traditional production of Plasticine began with the preparation of raw materials, primarily consisting of an inert bulking agent such as fine in early formulations or () in later ones, which formed about two-thirds of the mixture. These were combined with binding agents including , , (such as ), and lime ( or hydroxide). The process involved mixing the calcium salts with and acids like , which triggered an exothermic that naturally warmed the mixture to facilitate homogeneity without external heating in initial batches. Following mixing, excess water produced during the reaction was removed by rolling the material, often using simple tools like a garden roller in the earliest production stages. The mixture was then kneaded manually to ensure even blending and elimination of air bubbles, a labor-intensive step performed in William Harbutt's basement before commercial scaling. For coloring, the original grey formulation was later enhanced through research and development to incorporate pigments, creating vivid hues for sets like the "Rainbow Packs," with colors added in controlled stages to achieve uniform distribution. At the Bathampton factory, established in 1900 and operated by the Harbutt family until 1983, production transitioned from manual methods to industrial operations, where the matured was shaped into bars or blocks using molds or grooved tools derived from early techniques like wooden pats. The material underwent a maturation period of up to six months exposed to air to stabilize its consistency and prevent hardening, with focused on maintaining pliability through careful monitoring of the blending and aging processes. Early output was small-scale and hand-wrapped after cooling, but by the mid-20th century, the facility had scaled to meet growing demand using mechanical aids for and packaging, producing non-hardening batches tested for consistent texture.

Modern Variations and Brands

Flair Leisure Products, a UK-based toy manufacturer and subsidiary of since 2008, acquired the Plasticine brand in 2006 following Humbrol's administration and continues to have it manufactured in . The material retains its core properties as a non-hardening, reusable modeling compound that does not dry out or shrink, making it suitable for repeated use in creative activities. Modern formulations emphasize child safety, with Plasticine designed as a non-toxic product for ages 5 and older, though specific compliance with standards like ASTM D-4236 is not explicitly detailed in manufacturer disclosures; it is marketed as safe and mess-free for educational play. While traditional Plasticine relies on -based ingredients, no verified eco-friendly variants with reduced petroleum content are available from Flair. Competing brands offer similar non-hardening modeling materials, such as Newplast, a UK-produced alternative known for its pliable, reusable texture and availability in large 500g blocks for animators and educators. In the United States, Van Aken's Plastalina provides an oil-based, sulfur-free option in vibrant colors, favored by sculptors for its smooth consistency and non-toxic properties. Model Magic serves as a lighter, air-dry competitor, though it differs by hardening upon exposure to air rather than remaining permanently malleable. Flair enhances its offerings with accessory-inclusive sets, such as Plasticine Toolz, which bundle modeling tools for detailed work. Packaging typically features multi-color assortments in tubs, slabs, or themed kits like the 24 Colour Max pack, promoting vibrant, easy-to-use formats for retail and home use. Bulk options, such as larger slabs or classroom sets, support educational distribution, while global availability has expanded through online retailers like Amazon. Post-2000s innovations under Flair include novelty-themed products, such as the Movie Maker Studio kit for stop-motion animation, targeting creative and entertainment markets without altering the base material's reusability.

Uses and Applications

Educational and Therapeutic Uses

Plasticine has been utilized in educational settings since its invention in the late , primarily to teach fine motor skills, three-dimensional , and through hands-on modeling activities. Developed by art teacher William Harbutt in 1897 specifically for his students at the Bath School of , the non-hardening material allowed beginners to practice without the frustration of drying clay, fostering persistence and artistic expression in classroom environments. By the early , it gained widespread adoption in schools for modeling exercises that enhanced spatial awareness and problem-solving, with instructional handbooks like Harbutt's own guide promoting its integration into art curricula for writing, , and sculpting lessons. In modern STEM education, Plasticine serves as an accessible tool for prototyping simple machines, enabling students to construct models of levers, pulleys, and inclined planes to explore mechanical principles and forces. Contemporary curricula often incorporate it with digital tools, such as basic techniques, where learners create stop-motion animations to demonstrate concepts like motion and , blending art with technology to boost engagement and conceptual understanding. These activities, suitable for ages 3 and older, leverage Plasticine's pliability to support without the mess or permanence of traditional , making it an inexpensive and safe option certified non-toxic for young users. Therapeutically, Plasticine aids in art therapy for stress relief by providing a tactile outlet for emotional expression and relaxation, as the repetitive molding process helps regulate anxiety through sensory engagement. In occupational therapy, it promotes sensory play and dexterity for children with autism, improving fine motor control and hand-eye coordination via shape-forming exercises that build strength without overwhelming sensory input. Programs like classroom-based claymation projects have been employed in educational initiatives to reenact historical events, allowing participants to visualize and narrate timelines creatively, as seen in interdisciplinary lessons combining art and history. A 2024 study on kindergarten activities further confirmed its efficacy, showing significant gains in fine motor precision and imaginative output among participants.

Artistic and Industrial Applications

Plasticine has been employed by sculptors for creating preliminary models and , serving as a malleable medium for exploring form and proportion in three-dimensional sketches. Renowned artist , for instance, utilized plasticine to develop small-scale preparatory works, such as his Maquette for Standing Figure (1950), where the material's pliability enabled detailed shaping over supportive structures. Contemporary artists like Mikala Dwyer have incorporated plasticine into finished installations and sculptures, valuing its non-drying nature for temporary or experimental pieces that can be reshaped without degradation. In industrial contexts, specialized formulations of plasticine, often termed industrial plasticine, are integral to prototyping in product and , where full-scale or reduced models facilitate ergonomic and aesthetic evaluations. Automotive designers rely on these clays for hand-modeled mockups of vehicle bodies, allowing rapid surface refinements through tools or templates before digital integration. For example, Chavant's AutoStyle clay supports iterative prototyping in and development, maintaining fine details without cracking under manipulation. Its non-hardening quality enables repeated adjustments, distinguishing it from clays and supporting efficient cycles. Plasticine finds application in advertising and display through custom-molded figures that enhance in retail settings. In the pre-digital era, it was used to craft durable yet adaptable props and promotional models, such as product replicas for storefronts, leveraging its blendable colors to achieve lifelike representations. Historical records from early 20th-century manufacturers highlight its role in producing eye-catching, reusable display elements that could be reformed for seasonal campaigns. Early 20th-century architects incorporated plasticine into building models for conceptual massing studies, appreciating the material's ease in forming organic or complex geometries. This practice complemented traditional wood or plaster, offering a tactile medium for quick iterations in design proposals. During wartime efforts, such as in the early 20th century, similar modeling clays aided in simulating terrains for strategic planning, though specific military adaptations evolved with material advancements. A key technique in plasticine sculpting involves constructing armatures from wire to provide internal support for larger works, preventing sagging and enabling precise detailing. Artists wrap or embed aluminum or steel wire frameworks within the plasticine mass, building outward to achieve stability in figurative or abstract forms. This method, as employed by Moore, ensures the material's weight is distributed effectively, facilitating complex poses or extended projects without structural failure.

Cultural Impact

Role in Animation and Media

Plasticine has been integral to the development of , a form of stop-motion animation, since the early , when its malleability allowed animators to create dynamic figures for . The first surviving claymation short, The Sculptor's Nightmare (1908), directed by Wallace McCutcheon, featured clay heads morphing into busts of U.S. presidential candidates, blending live-action with animated clay elements. This early adoption marked Plasticine's transition from educational modeling to cinematic use, enabling pioneers like Joseph Sunn to produce the oldest surviving full-length claymation , Long Live the Bull (1926), a humorous parody. The technique involves constructing figures with internal wire armatures for structural support, allowing precise manipulation frame by frame to simulate fluid motion. Animators typically capture 24 photographs per second of film, adjusting the Plasticine slightly between exposures to achieve lifelike movement, a labor-intensive process that demands patience and skill. This method gained widespread popularity through ' Wallace and Gromit series, starting with shorts in the , where the characters' expressive Plasticine forms brought whimsical British humor to global audiences. As of November 2025, Aardman faces ongoing challenges with Plasticine supply shortages but has plans to transition to compatible materials while preserving its signature style. Notable works highlight Plasticine's versatility in storytelling. The BBC's Morph (debuting 1977, with series in the ), created by Aardman, featured a simple terracotta-skinned Plasticine character in comedic vignettes, becoming a beloved icon for children. Aardman's (2000), the highest-grossing stop-motion film at the time, used Plasticine for initial model sculpting to capture its signature tactile look, though final puppets incorporated for durability. Plasticine's role has profoundly impacted the industry by democratizing stop-motion for low-budget productions, as its accessibility allowed independent creators to experiment without expensive equipment. Evolution in tools includes specialized Plasticine variants like Newplast, formulated with a firmer consistency to hold poses during extended shoots while remaining pliable. Digital software, such as Dragonframe, now aids by providing onion-skinning for precise armature adjustments and automated frame capture, streamlining the traditional process.

Legacy in Art and Education

Plasticine, originally developed by William Harbutt in 1897 as a non-drying modeling for his students at the Bath School of Art, quickly became a staple in educational settings worldwide, evolving from localized classroom use to integration in global art and design curricula. By the early , it was marketed specifically to teachers for fostering without the mess of traditional clay, enabling repeated corrections and manipulations that encouraged iterative learning. This accessibility has sustained its role in modern education, inspiring (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs and makerspaces where students create characters to explore , , and integration. In artistic heritage, Plasticine holds a prominent place in museum collections, such as the British Museum's contribution to the BBC's A History of the World in 100 Objects, where an original sample exemplifies early 20th-century innovation in synthetic modeling pastes. Renowned sculptors like frequently employed it for preliminary maquettes due to its malleability and resistance to drying, allowing for fluid experimentation in form and void before committing to stone or . This practical utility has cemented its legacy as a versatile medium bridging conceptual sketching and final , influencing generations of artists in preliminary work. As a cultural symbol, Plasticine embodies British identity through its association with Aardman Animations, whose claymation style in works like Wallace & Gromit highlights handcrafted storytelling as a hallmark of UK creative output. Preservation efforts underscore this heritage, with the original Harbutt factory site in Bathampton recognized for its historical role in the material's production since 1900, contributing to Bath's legacy of artistic innovation. Harbutt's foundational patents for non-drying compositions are archived and studied in material science for their insights into viscoelastic properties and filler interactions, as seen in research on plasticine-based nanocomposites for thermal conductivity applications. Environmental critiques of its petroleum jelly base—derived from fossil fuels—have highlighted contributions to and throughout the lifecycle of petroleum-derived materials. In response, eco-friendly options such as beeswax-earth clay blends and natural have emerged as viable substitutes, offering comparable workability without petroleum dependency while reducing environmental impact.

References

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